1 Kings · Chapter 4

V. 1. All Israel-This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a part, and that the smallest part of it.

Verse 1. Over all Israel — Reigned over all the tribes, and with the full consent of them all. This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a part, and that the smallest part of Israel. Or in reference to the times of division and rebellion under David, when part only went after David, and part after Ish-bosheth, Absalom, Sheba, or Adonijah.

SOLOMON’S OFFICIALS, 1-19.

The design of the sacred writer in introducing this list of Solomon’s chief officers seems to have been both to show the constitution of the kingdom and to indicate its power and glory. It is not likely that all these officers were appointed at the very beginning of Solomon’s reign, and continued without the occurrence of a death or change among them during the whole forty years of his reign. But this list probably contains the names of the most distinguished officers which during the whole reign of Solomon, or at least during its most flourishing period, helped to add lustre and dignity to his administration.

1. King over all Israel — This was true of Solomon during his whole reign, but could be said of no other. David for seven years ruled but a single tribe, and at the beginning of the reign of Solomon’s successor the kingdom was rent asunder by the revolt of the ten tribes.

V. 2. Princes-That is, the chief rulers or officers. The son-Or the grand-son. The priest-The second priest, or the priest that attended upon Solomon’s person in holy offices and administrations.

Verse 2. These were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest.] These were his great, chief, or principal men. None of them were princes in the common acceptation of the word.

Verse 2. These were the princes which he had — The principal officers employed under him. Azariah the son — Or the grandson; of Zadok — 1 Chronicles 6:8, 9. The priest — The second priest, or the priest that attended upon Solomon’s person, in holy offices and administrations. Or, as the Hebrew word here rendered priest may be, and is often, translated prince, in Scripture, this Azariah might be the highest officer of the state, next to the king; or the chief minister of state, by whom the great affairs of the kingdom were managed and prepared for the king’s consideration.

2. Princes — Hebrew, the Sarim, Superior officers; high state-dignitaries, in distinction from the prefects, or lesser officers mentioned below, verses 7-19. Azariah the son of Zadok the priest — The word ˆhk, here rendered priest, but in verse v principal officer, occurs three times in this list of officers, and if we adopt the present punctuation of the Hebrew, Septuagint, and English texts, and explain with Keil, Bahr, and others, that ˆhk here means a regent, or some privy counsellor of the king, then we have the word used in the space of four verses in three different senses. That ˆhk means an intimate counsellor of the king in verse 5 and in 2 Samuel 8:18, is admitted in our notes; but if it means the same thing here, and defines the office of Azariah to be identical with that of Zabud the son of Nathan, why in the world are not these two persons holding the same office placed together in the list? Certainly the relative position of these two names in the record most naturally indicates that Azariah and Zabud did not hold the same office. It seems better, therefore, to adopt the punctuation of the Vulgate, and construe Azariah with the first two names of verse 3, and ˆhk, the priest, in apposition with Zadok. Thus, connecting verses 2 and 3, we read, “Azariah the son of Zadok the priest, Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes.”

V. 3. Scribes-That is, secretaries of state. He chose two, whereas David had but one: either, because he observed some inconveniences in trusting all those matters in one hand: or, because he had now much more employment than David had, this being a time of great peace and prosperity, and his empire enlarged.

Verse 3. Elihoreph and Ahiah-scribes] Secretaries to the king. Jehoshaphat-recorder] Historiographer to the king, who chronicled the affairs of the kingdom. He was in this office under David see 2 Samuel 20:24.

Verses 3, 4. Scribes — That is, secretaries of state. He chose two, whereas David had but one, either because he observed some inconveniences in trusting all the important matters of his government in one band; or because he had now more employment than David had, this being a time of great peace and prosperity, and his empire being enlarged, and his correspondences with foreign princes more frequent. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests — That is, the high-priests, namely, successively, first Abiathar, and then Zadok.

3. Scribes… recorder — On these words see notes at 2 Samuel 8:16,

17. Solomon had different scribes, but the same recorder as his father David. Shisha was probably the same as Seraiah; (compare the reading in 1 Chronicles 18:16;) so that his sons succeeded him in the office of scribe. See note on 2 Samuel 20:25.

V. 4. Priests-That is, the high-priests, successively, first Abiathar, and then Zadok.

Verses 3, 4. Scribes — That is, secretaries of state. He chose two, whereas David had but one, either because he observed some inconveniences in trusting all the important matters of his government in one band; or because he had now more employment than David had, this being a time of great peace and prosperity, and his empire being enlarged, and his correspondences with foreign princes more frequent. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests — That is, the high-priests, namely, successively, first Abiathar, and then Zadok.

4. Benaiah… over the host — In the list of the warlike David’s officers the captain of the host stands first, but under the peaceful reign of Solomon he stands in the third place. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests — Abiathar, though deposed by Solomon himself, (1 Kings 2:27,) ever held his priestly dignity and character, so that when he no longer executed the duties of his office his name remained on the official list.

V. 5. Officers-Over those twelve Officers, named ver. 7, &c. who were all to give up their accompts to him. Nathan-The prophet, who had been so highly instrumental in Solomon’s establishment in the throne. Principal officer-Possibly, president of the king’s council. Friend-His confident, with whom he used to communicate his most secret counsels.

Verse 5. Azariah-was over the officers] He had the superintendence of the twelve officers mentioned below; see 1 Kings 4:7. Zabud-was principal officer] Perhaps what we call premier, or prime minister.

The king’s friend] His chief favourite-his confidant.

Verses 5, 6. The son of Nathan was over the officers — Over those twelve officers named verse 7, &c., who were all to give up their accounts to him. The Hebrew word, µybxn nitsabim, here, and verse 7, rendered officers, signifies any governors, or commanders of the higher sort. See 2 Chronicles 8:10. Zabud the son of Nathan — The prophet, who had been so highly instrumental in establishing Solomon on the throne; was principal officer — Possibly president of the king’s council. The Hebrew word is ˆhk, cohen, which, verse 2, and generally, is rendered priest, although, as we have observed there, it may also be translated prince. And the king’s friend — His confidant, with whom he used to communicate his most secret counsels. Ahishar was over the household — Steward of the king’s house. Over the tribute — The personal tribute, or levy of men, as appears by comparing this with 1 Kings 5:13, 14; it being very fit that there should be some one person to whom the chief conduct or inspection of that great business should be committed.

5. Son of Nathan — This Nathan may have been either the prophet or son of David mentioned 2 Samuel 5:14. Over the officers — That is, the twelve officers mentioned in verse 7. So he was a sort of

commissary-general for the whole kingdom. Principal officer — Here the word ˆhk, which usually means priest, manifestly has a different signification. By comparing 2 Samuel 8:18 with 1 Chronicles 18:17, we infer that it means a high officer whom the king treats as his intimate counsellor and confidential adviser. David chose his own sons for this office; and where is the monarch or chieftain who has not had some person or persons to serve him in this capacity? During his short triumph Absalom virtually set Ahithophel and Hushai in this office. That the king always, or even usually, followed the counsels of this officer is not to be supposed. His work was to suggest, not to adopt or decide, plans for his sovereign. He is further described as being the king’s friend — that is, his personal confidant and favourite.

V. 6. Abiathar was-Steward of the king’s household. Tribute-The personal tribute, or the levy of men, as appears by comparing this with 1 Kings 5:13,14, it being very fit that there should be some one person to whom the chief conduct of that great business was committed.

Verse 6. Ahishar was over the household] the king’s chamberlain. Adoniram-was over the tribute.] What we call chancellor of the exchequer. He received and brought into the treasury all the proceeds of taxes and tributes. He was in this office under David; see 2 Samuel 20:24.

Verses 5, 6. The son of Nathan was over the officers — Over those twelve officers named verse 7, &c., who were all to give up their accounts to him. The Hebrew word, µybxn nitsabim, here, and verse 7, rendered officers, signifies any governors, or commanders of the higher sort. See 2 Chronicles 8:10. Zabud the son of Nathan — The prophet, who had been so highly instrumental in establishing Solomon on the throne; was principal officer — Possibly president of the king’s council. The Hebrew word is ˆhk, cohen, which, verse 2, and generally, is rendered priest, although, as we have observed there, it may also be translated prince. And the king’s friend — His confidant, with whom he used to communicate his most secret counsels. Ahishar was over the household — Steward of the king’s house. Over the tribute — The personal tribute, or levy of men, as appears by comparing this with 1 Kings 5:13, 14; it being very fit that there should be some one person to whom the chief conduct or inspection of that great business should be committed.

6. Ahishar was over the household — Overseer of the royal palace and family; the king’s chamberlain. Adoniram… over the tribute — The same person who held this office during the later years of David’s reign. See note on 2 Samuel 20:24. The word sm, here rendered tribute, is translated, levy in 1 Kings 5:13, 14, and this latter seems to be the true meaning. Adoniram had charge of the multitudes of men that were impressed out of all Israel to labour on the public works, and probably his general superintendency extended also over the thousands of foreign bondslaves that bare burdens, etc. See 1 Kings 5:15; 2 Chronicles 2:17, 18. 7. Twelve officers — µybxn, prefects. Collectors of the royal revenues, which consisted not in money, but in the products of the land. Thus were furnished provisions for the king’s household. Each man his month — Probably Azariah the son of Nathan, who was over these twelve officers, (verse 5,) notified each of them which month he would be required to provide for the king. According to Herodotus (i, 192) the kingdom of Persia was divided into districts, each one of which supplied the great king and his army with provisions for a given portion of the year.

Verse 7. Twelve officers] The business of these twelve officers was to provide daily, each for a month, those provisions which were consumed in the king’s household; see 1 Kings 4:22, 23. And the task for such a daily provision was not an easy one.

SOLOMON’S OFFICIALS, 1-19.

The design of the sacred writer in introducing this list of Solomon’s chief officers seems to have been both to show the constitution of the kingdom and to indicate its power and glory. It is not likely that all these officers were appointed at the very beginning of Solomon’s reign, and continued without the occurrence of a death or change among them during the whole forty years of his reign. But this list probably contains the names of the most distinguished officers which during the whole reign of Solomon, or at least during its most flourishing period, helped to add lustre and dignity to his administration.

1. King over all Israel — This was true of Solomon during his whole reign, but could be said of no other. David for seven years ruled but a single tribe, and at the beginning of the reign of Solomon’s successor the kingdom was rent asunder by the revolt of the ten tribes.

V. 8. The son, &c.-This and others of them are denominated from their fathers, because they were known and famous in their generation.

Verses 8-10. The son of Hur — This person and others of them are denominated from their fathers, because they were known and famous in their generation. In mount Ephraim — And the territory belonging to it, which must be understood also of the rest of the places mentioned in the following verses. Elon-beth-hanan — Or, Elon, the house, or dwelling-place of Hanan. For Hanan may be a man’s name, and this place may be thus distinguished from other Elons. Or, as the word Elon signifies a plain, the meaning may be, the plain of Beth-hanan. Sochoh — There were two places of this name, but near each other, Joshua 15:35-38. Hepher — ln Judah, 1 Chronicles 4:6.

8. The son of Hur — It is noticeable that the names of the fathers of these officers are given in each case, and in five cases the proper names of the officers themselves are not given at all. The margin, which follows the Vulgate, renders these five as proper names — Ben-hur, Ben-dekar, etc.; but it is more likely that the proper names of these five officers, if ever given, have fallen out of the text by the carelessness of transcribers. Mount Ephraim — The hill country in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. See note on Judges 17:1.

Verses 8-10. The son of Hur — This person and others of them are denominated from their fathers, because they were known and famous in their generation. In mount Ephraim — And the territory belonging to it, which must be understood also of the rest of the places mentioned in the following verses. Elon-beth-hanan — Or, Elon, the house, or dwelling-place of Hanan. For Hanan may be a man’s name, and this place may be thus distinguished from other Elons. Or, as the word Elon signifies a plain, the meaning may be, the plain of Beth-hanan. Sochoh — There were two places of this name, but near each other, Joshua 15:35-38. Hepher — ln Judah, 1 Chronicles 4:6.

9. Makaz… Shaalbim — Places apparently in the tribe of Dan, but now unknown. Beth-shemesh — See on Joshua 15:10, and 1 Samuel 6:9. Elon-bethhanan — Site unknown, but probably the same as Elon. Joshua 19:43.

V. 10. Hepher-In Judah.

Verses 8-10. The son of Hur — This person and others of them are denominated from their fathers, because they were known and famous in their generation. In mount Ephraim — And the territory belonging to it, which must be understood also of the rest of the places mentioned in the following verses. Elon-beth-hanan — Or, Elon, the house, or dwelling-place of Hanan. For Hanan may be a man’s name, and this place may be thus distinguished from other Elons. Or, as the word Elon signifies a plain, the meaning may be, the plain of Beth-hanan. Sochoh — There were two places of this name, but near each other, Joshua 15:35-38. Hepher — ln Judah, 1 Chronicles 4:6.

10. Aruboth… Socoh… Hepher — Sites now unknown.

Verses 11-13. The region of Dor — In Manasseh, where also were Taanach, Megiddo, and Beth-shean. Who had the daughter of Solomon to wife — Solomon had no daughters marriageable when these officers were appointed; but in process of time, this man and Ahimaaz, mentioned verse 15, had behaved themselves so well in their offices, that Solomon did them the honour to give them two of his daughters to wife. In Ramoth-Gilead — That is, Ramoth in the land of Gilead, Deuteronomy 4:43; so called, to distinguish it from Ramoth in Issachar, 1 Chronicles 6:73. The towns of Jair — In Manasseh beyond Jordan, Numbers 32:41. With walls and brazen bars — This is added by way of distinction from those towns of Jair mentioned before. For, being beyond Jordan, they were liable to the attempts of their enemies.

11. All the region of Dor — This was on the coast of the Mediterranean near Mount Carmel. See on Joshua 11:2.

Verses 11-13. The region of Dor — In Manasseh, where also were Taanach, Megiddo, and Beth-shean. Who had the daughter of Solomon to wife — Solomon had no daughters marriageable when these officers were appointed; but in process of time, this man and Ahimaaz, mentioned verse 15, had behaved themselves so well in their offices, that Solomon did them the honour to give them two of his daughters to wife. In Ramoth-Gilead — That is, Ramoth in the land of Gilead, Deuteronomy 4:43; so called, to distinguish it from Ramoth in Issachar, 1 Chronicles 6:73. The towns of Jair — In Manasseh beyond Jordan, Numbers 32:41. With walls and brazen bars — This is added by way of distinction from those towns of Jair mentioned before. For, being beyond Jordan, they were liable to the attempts of their enemies.

12. Taanach and Megiddo — In the great plain of Esdraelon. See on Joshua 12:21; Judges 5:19. Beth-shean — The modern Beisan, between Mount Gilboa and the Jordan. See Joshua 17:11. Zartanah — This place has not been identified. Beneath Jezreel — The city of Jezreel, which gave its name to the whole neighbouring valley, was on the site of the modern Zerin, near the western end of Mount Gilboa. See on Joshua 19:18. Beneath Jezreel indicates that Beth-shean and its neighbouring towns lay lower than Jezreel, a fact confirmed by Robinson: “Zerin lies comparatively high, and commands a wide and noble view, extending down the broad low valley on the east to Beisan. We could here see the acropolis of Beisan lying much lower than Zerin; and from every account that place appears to be situated not far above the level of the Jordan valley.” Abel-meholah — Perhaps the modern Khurbet-esh-Shuk, at the eastern end of Mount Gilboa. Jokneam — The Hebrew is here Jok-meam, but probably a later corruption of Jokneam, called in Joshua 12:22, Jokneam of Carmel, and identified by Dr. Robinson with the modern Tell Kaimon, which holds a conspicuous position on the Carmel range, “commanding the main pass from the western portion of Esdraelon to the more southern plain.” Baana’s district thus took in the great valley of Jezreel, and extended from Bethshean on the east to Jokneam on the west.

Verse 13. Threescore great cities with walls and brazen bars] These were fortified cities: their gates and bars covered with plates of brass. Such were the gates in Priam’s palace:—

Ipse inter primos correpta dura bipenni Limina perrumpit, POSTES que a cardine vellit ÆRATOS.

VIRG. Æn., lib. ii. ver. 479.

Fierce Pyrrhus in the front, with forceful sway, Plied the huge axe, and hew’d the beams away; The solid timbers from the portal tore, And rent from every hinge the BRAZEN door. PITT.

Verses 11-13. The region of Dor — In Manasseh, where also were Taanach, Megiddo, and Beth-shean. Who had the daughter of Solomon to wife — Solomon had no daughters marriageable when these officers were appointed; but in process of time, this man and Ahimaaz, mentioned verse 15, had behaved themselves so well in their offices, that Solomon did them the honour to give them two of his daughters to wife. In Ramoth-Gilead — That is, Ramoth in the land of Gilead, Deuteronomy 4:43; so called, to distinguish it from Ramoth in Issachar, 1 Chronicles 6:73. The towns of Jair — In Manasseh beyond Jordan, Numbers 32:41. With walls and brazen bars — This is added by way of distinction from those towns of Jair mentioned before. For, being beyond Jordan, they were liable to the attempts of their enemies.

13. Son of Geber — Perhaps the same Geber mentioned verse 19. Ramoth-gilead — One of the chief cities on the east side of the Jordan, in the tribe of Gad, allotted to the Levites and appointed a city of refuge. Supposed by many to have been at the modern es-Salt, just south of Mount Gilead. See on Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 13:26; and Judges 10:17. Jair the son of Manasseh — See on Numbers 32:41. Argob — The region north of Mount Gilead, and east and southeast of the sea of Galilee. See on Deuteronomy 3:4. “The Bedouins familiarly speak of this whole district as Arkoob or Argoob. Thus they call the mountain on which Urn Keis stands Argoob Um Keis; and although this word is applied to any rough, mountainous country, I have nowhere else heard it thus used in common conversation; and since the kingdom or district of Argob was in this immediate neighbourhood, I think it nearly certain that we have the identical name still preserved among these primitive inhabitants.” — Thomson. Bashan — The vast region, of which Argob was but a part, extending from Mount Hermon in the north to the Jabbok on the south, and from the Jordan eastward to the desert. See on Deuteronomy 3:3. Threescore great cities with walls and brazen bars — “Such a statement seems all but incredible. It would not stand the arithmetic of Bishop Colenso for a moment. But with my own eyes I have seen that it is literally true. The cities are there to this day. Some of them retain the ancient names recorded in the Bible. Bashan is literally crowded with towns and large villages, and though the vast majority of them are deserted, they are not ruined. Many of the houses in the ancient cities of Bashan are perfect, as if only finished yesterday. The walls are sound, the roofs unbroken, the doors, and even the window shutters, in their places. The walls are from five to eight feet thick, built of large squared blocks of basalt; the roofs are formed of slabs of the same material, hewn like planks, and reaching from wall to wall; the very doors and win-dew shutters are of stone, hung upon pivots projecting above and below. Some of these ancient cities have from two to five hundred houses still perfect, but not a man to dwell in them. On one occasion, from the battlements of the castle of Salcah, I counted some thirty towns and villages, dotting the surface of the vast plain, many of them almost as perfect as when they were built, and yet for more than five centuries there has not been a single inhabitant in one of them.” — PORTER, Giant Cities of Bashan.

Verses 14-18. The son of Iddo had Mahanaim — The city and territory of Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2; Joshua 13:26. If this district seem of less extent than the rest, it must be observed, these portions were distributed into larger or lesser parts, according to their barrenness or fertility; and this seems to have been a very fruitful place, 2 Samuel 17:27. Shimei, the son of Elah — This is added to distinguish him from the Shimei who cursed and insulted David.

14. Mahanaim — The place beyond the Jordan where Jacob met the angels, and where Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, reigned two years. Its modern name is Mahneh. See on 2 Samuel 2:8, and Genesis 32:2.

Verses 14-18. The son of Iddo had Mahanaim — The city and territory of Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2; Joshua 13:26. If this district seem of less extent than the rest, it must be observed, these portions were distributed into larger or lesser parts, according to their barrenness or fertility; and this seems to have been a very fruitful place, 2 Samuel 17:27. Shimei, the son of Elah — This is added to distinguish him from the Shimei who cursed and insulted David.

15. Naphtali — For notice of the territory of this tribe, see at Joshua 19:32-39.

Verses 14-18. The son of Iddo had Mahanaim — The city and territory of Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2; Joshua 13:26. If this district seem of less extent than the rest, it must be observed, these portions were distributed into larger or lesser parts, according to their barrenness or fertility; and this seems to have been a very fruitful place, 2 Samuel 17:27. Shimei, the son of Elah — This is added to distinguish him from the Shimei who cursed and insulted David.

16. Hushai — Perhaps the friend of David mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:32. Asher — See at Joshua 19:24-31. Aloth — or Baaloth, as Septuagint and Vulgate read the word. It is now unknown.

Verses 14-18. The son of Iddo had Mahanaim — The city and territory of Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2; Joshua 13:26. If this district seem of less extent than the rest, it must be observed, these portions were distributed into larger or lesser parts, according to their barrenness or fertility; and this seems to have been a very fruitful place, 2 Samuel 17:27. Shimei, the son of Elah — This is added to distinguish him from the Shimei who cursed and insulted David.

17. In Issachar — See at Joshua 19:17-23.

Verses 14-18. The son of Iddo had Mahanaim — The city and territory of Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2; Joshua 13:26. If this district seem of less extent than the rest, it must be observed, these portions were distributed into larger or lesser parts, according to their barrenness or fertility; and this seems to have been a very fruitful place, 2 Samuel 17:27. Shimei, the son of Elah — This is added to distinguish him from the Shimei who cursed and insulted David.

18. Benjamin — See at Joshua 18:11-28.

V. 19. Country of Gilead-That is, in the remaining part of that land of Gilead, which was mentioned above. The only officer-In all Gilead, excepting the parcels mentioned before, in all the territories of Sihon and Og; which because they were of large extent, and yet all committed to this one man, it is here noted concerning him as his privilege above the rest.

Verse 19. In the country of Gilead — That is, in the remaining part of that land of Gilead which was mentioned above. The only officer in the land — Or rather, in that land; namely, in all Gilead, excepting the parcels mentioned before, the only one in all the territories of Sihon and Og. These were of large extent, and yet all committed to this one man, which is here noticed as a peculiar privilege which he had above the other officers, whose jurisdictions were of narrower extent.

19. The country of Gilead — The vast mountainous tract east of the Jordan, and south of Bashan. Here it is spoken of as including at least a part of Bashan. See on Deuteronomy 3:13, and references. But the whole of Gilead was not under this Geber. His son and Ahinadab had their districts also in Gilead, (verses 13, 14;) but with that exception, the son of Uri was the only officer in all this vast tract of country, an evidence of the profound peace throughout Solomon’s dominions.

Verse 20. Eating and drinking, and making merry.] They were very comfortable, very rich, very merry, and very corrupt. And this full feeding and dissipation led to a total corruption of manners.

Verse 20. As the sand which is on the sea-shore — An hyperbolical expression to signify a vast number. Eating and drinking, &c. — In perfect security, and highly satisfied. Jeshurun now began to wax fat, as Moses foresaw would be the case, and soon kicked; soon forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation, Deuteronomy 32:15. This even Solomon himself did. What individual, or what nation, can bear continual prosperity and plenty?

SOLOMON’S WEALTH AND WISDOM, 20-34.

20. The statements of this verse are calculated to enhance in the mind of the reader the glory of Solomon’s reign. “The general tone of the records of his reign is that of jubilant delight, as though it were indeed a golden day following on the iron and brazen age of the warlike David.” — Stanley. As the sand — Thus fulfilling the promise made to Abraham. See marginal references. Eating… drinking… making merry — Evidences of a happy, peaceful, and prosperous administration.

V. 21. The river-Euphrates: for so far David, having conquered the Syrians, extended his empire, which Solomon also maintained in that extent. And so God’s promise concerning the giving the whole land, as far as Euphrates, to the Israelites, was fulfilled. And, if the Israelites had multiplied so much that the land of Canaan would not suffice them, having God’s grant of all the land as far as Euphrates, they might have seized upon it whensoever occasion required. The land of the Philistines-Which is to be understood inclusively; for the Philistines were within Solomon’s dominion. The border of Egypt-Unto the river Sihor, which was the border between Egypt and Canaan. And served-By tribute, or other ways, as he needed and required.

Verse 21. Solomon reigned over all kingdoms] The meaning of this verse appears to be, that Solomon reigned over all the provinces from the river Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, even to the frontiers of Egypt. The Euphrates was on the east of Solomon’s dominions; the Philistines were westward on the Mediterranean sea; and Egypt was on the south. Solomon had, therefore, as tributaries, the kingdoms of Syria, Damascus, Moab, and Ammon, which lay between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean. See Calmet. Thus he appears to have possessed all the land that God covenanted with Abraham to give to his posterity.

Verse 21. From the river — Euphrates; for so far David, having conquered the Syrians, extended his empire, which Solomon also maintained in that extent. And so God’s promise concerning the giving the whole land, as far as Euphrates, to the Israelites, was fulfilled. And if the Israelites had multiplied so much that the land of Canaan would not have sufficed them, having God’s grant of all the land as far as Euphrates, they might have seized upon it whensoever occasion required. The land of the Philistines — Which is to be understood inclusively; for the Philistines were within Solomon’s dominion. The border of Egypt — Unto the river Sihor, which was the border between Egypt and Canaan. And served — By tribute, or other ways, as he needed and required.

21. The river — The great Euphrates, far to the east. Compare Genesis 15:18. Land of the Philistines — On the Mediterranean coast to the west of Judea. Border of Egypt — At the south. Within these limits there were now many kingdoms. Brought presents, and served Solomon — These subject kingdoms doubtless preserved their separate organization and nationality, as when independent, but were ever ready both to contribute to the annual revenues of Solomon, and also to furnish, when occasion offered, their quota of men for any public service. Thus, too, the fame of Solomon became registered in the records of the kings of the East. Ezra 4:20.

V. 22. Measures-Heb. Cors: each of which contained ten ephahs. So this provision was sufficient for near three thousand persons. Meal-Of a coarser sort for common use.

Verse 22. Solomon’s provision for one day:—

Of fine flour — 30 —measures, or cors.

Of meal — 60 — ditto.

Stall-fed oxen — 10

Ditto from the pasture — 20

Sheep — 100; — with harts, roebucks, fallow deer, and fat fowls. The rk cor was the same as the homer, and contained nearly seventy-six gallons, wine measure, according to Bishop Cumberland. Sheep] ˆax tson, comprehending both sheep and goats.

Harts] lyam meaiyal, the deer.

Roebucks] ybx tsebi, the gazal, antelope, or wild goat. Fallow deer] rwmjy yachmur, the buffalo. See the notes on Deuteronomy 12:15; 14:5.

Fatted fowl.] µyswba ברברים barburim abusim, I suppose, means all the wild fowls in season during each month. Michaelis derives ברברים barburim from arb bara, which in Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, signifies a field, a desert; all that is without the cities and habitations of men: hence arb twyj cheyvath bara, wild beasts, Daniel 2:38, rb rwt tor bar, wild bull; and therefore barburim may signify creatures living in the fields, woods, and deserts, which are taken by hunting, and opposed to those which are domesticated; and, consequently, may include beasts as well as fowls. Many have translated the word capons; but, query, was any such thing known among the ancient Jews? Solomon’s table, therefore, was spread with all the necessaries and delicacies which the house or the field could afford.

But how immense must the number of men have been who were fed daily at the palace of the Israelitish king! Vilalpandus computes the number to be not less than forty-eight thousand, six hundred; and Calvisius makes, by estimation from the consumption of food, fifty-four thousand! These must have included all his guards, each of whom received a ration from the king’s store.

Verses 22, 23. Thirty measures of fine flour — Hebrew, cors; each of which contained ten ephahs. So this provision was sufficient for near three thousand persons. Meal — Of a coarser sort for common use. Ten fat oxen — Fatted in stalls. Out of pastures — Well fleshed, tender, and good, though not so fat as the former.

22. Thirty measures of fine flour — Or thirty cors, about three hundred and forty bushels. Threescore measures of meal — About seven hundred bushels.

V. 23. Fat-Fatted in stalls. Out of pastures-Well fleshed, tender and good, though not so fat as the former.

Verses 22, 23. Thirty measures of fine flour — Hebrew, cors; each of which contained ten ephahs. So this provision was sufficient for near three thousand persons. Meal — Of a coarser sort for common use. Ten fat oxen — Fatted in stalls. Out of pastures — Well fleshed, tender, and good, though not so fat as the former.

23. Twenty oxen out of the pastures — Such as had been taken immediately from the field, in distinction from such as had been stallfed. It is said that one hundred oxen were daily slaughtered for the kings of Persia; and Tavernier relates that as many as five hundred sheep and lambs were daily consumed at the court of the Sultan. Harts… roebucks… fallow deer — Various species of the genus cervus, or deer family. See Deuteronomy 12:15, and 14:5. Fatted fowl — Domesticated poultry.

V. 24. Tiphsah-Either that Tiphsah, 2 Kings 15:16, which was in the kingdom of Israel within Jordan; or, rather, another place of that name upon Euphrates, even that eminent city which is mentioned by Ptolemy, and Strabo, and Pliny, called Thapsarum. And this best agrees with the following: Azzah, which was the border of Canaan in the south and west, as Tiphsah was in the north and east. And so his dominion is described by both its borders. All kings-Who owned subjection, and paid tribute to him.

Verse 24. From Tiphsah even to Azzah — Either that Tiphsah (2 Kings 15:16) which was in the kingdom of Israel within Jordan; or, rather, another place of that name upon the Euphrates, even that eminent city which is mentioned by Ptolemy, and Strabo, and Pliny, called Thapsarum. And this best agrees with the following Azzah, which was the border of Canaan in the south and west, as Tiphsah was in the north and east. And so his dominion is described by both its borders. Over all kings — Who owned subjection, and payed tribute to him.

24. On this side the river — Literally, beyond the river. The phrase designates the country west of the Euphrates; and in the time of our author it had already come to be used in this fixed geographical sense. Compare the phrase beyond Jordan, Joshua 1:14, note. So, says Rawlinson, “a Gaul, writing at Narbo or Lugdunum under the early Roman empire, must have spoken of his own country as Gallia transalpina.” Compare Ezra 4:10, note. Tiphsah — Formerly a large and important city on the western bank of the Euphrates, more than three hundred miles above Babylon; the Thapsacus of the Greeks and Romans, and the modern Suriyeh. Here was the great crossing place for the armies or caravans, and perhaps Solomon’s occupation of the place was for the purpose of establishing commercial intercourse with Central Asia. “A paved causeway is visible on either side of the river at Suriyeh, and a long line of mounds may be traced, disposed, something like those of Nineveh, in the form of an irregular parallelogram. These mounds probably mark the site of the ancient city.” — G. Rawlinson. Azzah — The same as Gaza, and a more correct form of anglicising the Hebrew name. On Gaza, the chief capital of the Philistines, see at Genesis 10:19, and Judges 16:1. Over all the kings — Many petty kings dwelt in this territory. Compare note on Judges 1:7.

V. 25. Under his vine-Enjoying the fruit of his own labour with safety and comfort. Under these two trees, which were most used and cultivated by the Israelites, he understands all other fruit-bearing trees, and all other comforts. And they are brought in as fitting or dwelling under these trees, partly for recreation or delight in the shade; and partly, for the comfort or advantage of the fruit; and withal, to note their great security, not only in their strong cities, but even in the country, where the vines and fig-trees grew, which was most open to the incursions of their enemies.

Verse 25. Every man under his vine] They were no longer obliged to dwell in fortified cities for fear of their enemies; they spread themselves over all the country, which they everywhere cultivated; and had always the privilege of eating the fruits of their own labours. This is the meaning of the phrase.

Verse 25. Under his vine — Enjoying the fruit of his own labour with safety and comfort. Under these two trees, which were most used and cultivated by the Israelites, he understands all other fruit-bearing trees, and all other comforts. And they are brought in as sitting or dwelling under these trees, partly for recreation or delight in the shade, and partly for the comfort or advantage of the fruit; and withal, to signify their great security, not only in their strong cities, but even in the country, where the vines and fig-trees grew, which was most open to the incursions of their enemies.

25. Dwelt safely — In security and confidence, as opposed to continuous alarms from war or civil discord. Every man under his vine and under his fig tree — A picture of the utmost national and domestic tranquillity, happiness, and comfort; and used by the prophets to portray the peace and happiness of Messiah’s day. Compare marginal references. From Dan even to Beersheba — The common designation of the whole extent of the land from north to south. See at Judges 20:1.

V. 26. Forty thousand-In 2 Chronicles 9:25, it is but four thousand. But it is not exactly the same Hebrew word which is here and there, though we translate both stalls; and therefore there may well be allowed some difference in the signification, the one signifying properly stables, of which there were four thousand, the other stalls or partitions for each horse, which were forty thousand. Chariots-Both for his military chariots, which seem to be those fourteen hundred, 1 Kings 10:26, and for divers other uses, as about his great and various buildings, and merchandises, and other occasions, which might require some thousands of other chariots. Horsemen-Appointed partly for the defence of his people in peace; and partly for attendance upon his person, and for the splendor of his government.

Verse 26. Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses-and twelve thousand horsemen.] In 2 Chronicles 9:25, instead of forty thousand stalls, we read four thousand; and even this number might be quite sufficient to hold horses for twelve thousand horsemen; for stalls and stables may be here synonymous. In 1 Kings 10:26 it is said he had one thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; and this is the reading in 2 Chronicles 1:14. In 2 Chronicles 9:25, already quoted, instead of forty thousand stalls for horses, the Septuagint has tessarev ciliadev qhleiai ippoi, four thousand mares; and in this place the whole verse is omitted both by the Syriac and Arabic. In the Targum of Rabbi Joseph on this book we have ham [bra arba meah, four hundred, instead of the four thousand in Chronicles, and the forty thousand in the text. From this collation of parallel places we may rest satisfied that there is a corruption in the numbers somewhere; and as a sort of medium, we may take for the whole four thousand stalls, one thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

Verse 26. Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for chariots — In 2 Chronicles 9:25, it is said, he had but four thousand. And Bochart thinks that the Hebrew word here used should be rendered four, not forty, or that some error has crept into the text in regard to the number here mentioned. It is justly observed, however, by Poole, that the Hebrew word translated stalls here, is not exactly the same word which is used, and so translated, in Chronicles; and that, therefore, there may well be allowed some difference in the signification; the one signifying, properly, stables; of such there were four thousand; the other stalls, or partitions for each horse, which were forty thousand. For his chariots — Both for his military chariots, which seem to be those fourteen hundred, 1 Kings 10:26, and for divers other uses, as respecting his great and various buildings, and merchandises, and other occasions, which might require some thousands of other chariots. And twelve thousand horsemen — Appointed partly for the defence of his people in peace, and partly for attendance upon his person, and for the splendour of his government.

26. Forty thousand stalls of horses — Most interpreters have regarded this as a corruption in the text, and have thought to emend it by substituting the reading of 2 Chronicles 9:25, four thousand. But this is a doubtful emendation. True, 40,000 seems a very large number, and may be an error; but 4,000 seems too small a number to require 12,000 horsemen. Then the reading in Chronicles is somewhat different from this. There it says he had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, which may mean that each stall that contained a chariot might also have several horses. But while at this late day it may be impossible to settle this question of numbers, it is still clear that Solomon multiplied horses in Israel, and thereby transgressed the law prescribed for kings in Deuteronomy 17:16. Twelve thousand horsemen — The word µyvrp, here and often elsewhere rendered horsemen, is also used in the sense of steeds; riding horses. It usually means cavalry, including both horse and rider.

V. 27. The officers-Named above. They lacked-Or rather, they suffered nothing to be lacking to any man that came thither, but plentifully provided all things necessary.

Verses 27, 28. Those officers — Named above, verse 7. They lacked nothing — Or, rather, they suffered nothing to be lacking to any man that came to Solomon’s table, but plentifully provided all things necessary. This is repeated to show their diligence, exactness, and care, which was remarkable; especially since they took care of his stables as well as of his house, as it follows in the next verse. Barley also and straw — Barley was anciently horse-corn, as appears by many places in Homer. For the horses and dromedaries — The Hebrew word, rechesh, signifies swift horses, as Abarbinel thinks; see Esther 8:14; but others take them for mules. Where the officers were — Or, rather, Where the beasts were; for there is no word for officers in the Hebrew. Every man according to his charge — Which lasted for a month every year.

27. Those officers — That is, the officers named in verses 7-19.

Verse 28. And dromedaries] The word vkr rechesh, which we translate thus, is rendered beasts, or beasts of burden, by the Vulgate; mares by the Syriac and Arabic; chariots by the Septuagint; and race-horses by the Chaldee. The original word seems to signify a very swift kind of horse, and race-horse or post-horse is probably its true meaning. To communicate with so many distant provinces, Solomon had need of many animals of this kind.

Verses 27, 28. Those officers — Named above, verse 7. They lacked nothing — Or, rather, they suffered nothing to be lacking to any man that came to Solomon’s table, but plentifully provided all things necessary. This is repeated to show their diligence, exactness, and care, which was remarkable; especially since they took care of his stables as well as of his house, as it follows in the next verse. Barley also and straw — Barley was anciently horse-corn, as appears by many places in Homer. For the horses and dromedaries — The Hebrew word, rechesh, signifies swift horses, as Abarbinel thinks; see Esther 8:14; but others take them for mules. Where the officers were — Or, rather, Where the beasts were; for there is no word for officers in the Hebrew. Every man according to his charge — Which lasted for a month every year.

28. Dromedaries — The dromedary differs from the camel in being of a finer and more elegant form, having one hump on the back instead of two, and in being trained for greater speed. But the Hebrew word vkr means a swift-courser, or race-horse, and in Micah 1:13, is rendered swift-beast, one that was used with the chariot, and so could hardly be the dromedary. In Esther 8:10, 14, it is rendered mule, but swift-courser would be better. Where the officers were — The Septuagint and Vulgate read, where the king was. But it is still better simply to supply they, referring to the horses and coursers. The barley and straw were brought where the horses were kept by those who had this matter in charge, every man according to his charge — wcpvmk, literally, according to his judgment; that is, according to the amount which it was decided each should bring.

V. 29. Largeness of heart-Vastness of understanding, a most comprehensive knowledge of all things both Divine and human.

Verse 29. God gave Solomon wisdom, &c.] He gave him a capacious mind, and furnished him with extraordinary assistance to cultivate it. Even as the sand that is on the sea-shore.] Lord Bacon observes on this: “As the sand on the sea-shore encloses a great body of waters, so Solomon’s mind contained an ocean of knowledge.” This is a happy and correct illustration.

Verses 29, 30. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much — Knowledge of a great variety of things, and prudence in the administration of the government. And largeness of heart — Vastness of understanding, or a very comprehensive mind, capable of receiving the knowledge of all things, both divine and human. As the sand that is on the sea-shore — As the sand there encloses a vast body of waters, so his mind contained an ocean of knowledge, as the Lord Bacon somewhere speaks. The wisdom of all the children of the east country — The Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who all lay eastward from Canaan, and were famous in ancient times for their wisdom and learning, the Arabians especially, as appears from the book of Job. And, in after ages, Porphyry reports that Pythagoras travelled into this country to improve himself in learning. And all the wisdom of Egypt — Which country was celebrated for wisdom in Moses’s time, as appears from Acts 7:22; and, in after times, Macrobius calls Egypt the mother of arts. Indeed, such was their skill in arts and sciences, that they despised the Greeks as children in knowledge.

29. Largeness of heart — The heart, in Scripture, is the innermost center of man’s natural condition and life. It is the seat of desires, of love, of hatred. It thinks, perceives, understands, deliberates, judges; and thus becomes the storehouse of all that is seen, heard of, or experienced. Compare Luke 1:66 and references. So Solomon became a man of profound thought, of deep understanding, with vast powers of judgment, and a broad and diversified experience. As the sand — A proverbial expression denoting the multiplicity and fulness of his knowledge and wisdom.

V. 30. East country-The Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who all lay eastward from Canaan, and were famous in ancient times for their wisdom and learning. Egypt-The Egyptians, whose fame was then great for their skill in the arts and sciences, which made them despise the Grecians as children in knowledge.

Verse 30. The children of the east country] That is the Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who, with the Egyptians, were famed for wisdom and knowledge through all the world.

Verses 29, 30. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much — Knowledge of a great variety of things, and prudence in the administration of the government. And largeness of heart — Vastness of understanding, or a very comprehensive mind, capable of receiving the knowledge of all things, both divine and human. As the sand that is on the sea-shore — As the sand there encloses a vast body of waters, so his mind contained an ocean of knowledge, as the Lord Bacon somewhere speaks. The wisdom of all the children of the east country — The Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who all lay eastward from Canaan, and were famous in ancient times for their wisdom and learning, the Arabians especially, as appears from the book of Job. And, in after ages, Porphyry reports that Pythagoras travelled into this country to improve himself in learning. And all the wisdom of Egypt — Which country was celebrated for wisdom in Moses’s time, as appears from Acts 7:22; and, in after times, Macrobius calls Egypt the mother of arts. Indeed, such was their skill in arts and sciences, that they despised the Greeks as children in knowledge.

Verse 30. Solomon’s wisdom. He had studied the sciences of the magi of Chaldea and Persia, from whom the brahmins derived their descent. He had studied those of Egypt also, and must have devoted his mornings to literature, to become so learned a king, surpassing all the sages of the east.

30. The east country — A term used indiscriminately of all the vast region to the east, northeast, and southeast of Palestine, including Chaldea and Arabia. This East was noted for its wisdom, especially Chaldea for attainments in astronomy and astrology, and the farther East, with Arabia, for expressing thought and sage counsel in proverbs. Wisdom of Egypt — Another land still more distinguished for wisdom. Compare Isaiah 19:11; Acts 7:22. The Egyptians were distinguished for their knowledge of plants and animals, and their skill in geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and other sciences. Herodotus speaks of them as “the wisest of men.”

V. 31. All men-Either of his nation; or, of his time: or, of all times and nations, whether of the east or any other country excepting only the first and second Adam. Ethan, &c.-Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned, 1 Chronicles 2:6 15:19 25:4 Psalm 88:1(title,) Psalm 89:1(title). Chalcol, &c.-Of whom see 1 Chronicles 2:6.

Verse 31. He was wiser than all men] He was wiser than any of those who were most celebrated in his time, among whom were the four after mentioned, viz., Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda. Ethan was probably the same as is mentioned in some of the Psalms, particularly Psalm 89:1, title; and among the singers in 1 Chronicles 6:42. There is a Heman mentioned in the title to Psalm 88:1. In 1 Chronicles 2:6 we have all the four names, but they are probably not the same persons, for they are there said to be the sons of Zerah, and he flourished long before Solomon’s time.

Some suppose that lwjm ynb beney machol should be rendered masters of dancing or music, as lwjm machol signifies not only a dance or choir, but also an instrument of music of the pipe kind. Perhaps a reference is here made to Solomon’s skill in music and poetry, as he is compared to persons who appear to have been eminent poets and musicians.

Verse 31. He was wiser than all men — Either of his nation, or of his time: or, of all times and nations, whether of the East, or any other country, excepting only the first and second Adam. Ethan, &c. — Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned 1 Chronicles 2:6; 15:19; 25:4; Psalm 88., title, and 89., title. Chalcol, &c. — Of whom see 1 Chronicles 2:6.

Ver. 31. Darda, the Ezrahite, who had fourteen sons. 1 Chronicles 25:5.

31. Ethan… Heman… Chalcol… Darda — These men were well known and distinguished for wisdom in Solomon’s time, but to what age they belonged, and to what nation, is by no means clear. They would seem to be identical with the sons of Zerah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:6. The eighty-ninth Psalm is ascribed to Ethan, the Ezrahite. Sons of Mahol — This seems to oppose the supposition that these wise men are identical with the names of 1 Chronicles 2:6; but lwhm, mahol, often elsewhere means a dance, and some have conjectured that the meaning here is, sons of the dance.

V. 32. Proverbs-That is, short, and deep, and useful sentences, whereof a great part are contained in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Songs-Whereof the chief and most divine are in the Canticles.

Verse 32. He spake three thousand proverbs] The book of Proverbs, attributed to Solomon, contain only about nine hundred or nine hundred and twenty-three distinct proverbs; and if we grant with some that the first nine chapters are not the work of Solomon, then all that can be attributed to him is only about six hundred and fifty.

Of all his one thousand and five songs or poems we have only one, the book of Canticles, remaining, unless we include Psalm 127:1-5, Except the Lord build the house, &c., which in the title is said to be by or for him, though it appears more properly to be a psalm of direction, left him by his father David, relative to the building of the temple.

Verses 32, 33. He spake three thousand proverbs — That is, short, deep, and useful sentences, whereof a great part are contained in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Songs — Whereof the most divine and chief are in the Canticles. And he spake of trees — That is, of all plants, of their nature and qualities. From the cedar-tree unto the hyssop — From the greatest to the least. That springeth out of the wall — Dr. Waterland renders the original here, Hyssop that runneth out to the wall: the wall of Jerusalem may be meant, which was encompassed with mountains that produced abundance of hyssop. He spake also of beasts and of fowl, &c. — This shows the vastness of his knowledge, which comprehended the history of animals as well as of plants, whose nature and qualities he also understood. All these discourses of Solomon are lost, without any impeachment of the perfection of the Holy Scriptures; which were not written to teach men philosophy or physic, but only to make them wise unto salvation.

Ver. 32. His songs a thousand and five. The LXX read, “five thousand.” In early years he must have devoted his mornings to the severest course of studies.

32. He spake three thousand proverbs — He seems to have first established among the Hebrews this species of gnomic didactic poetry. Of these three thousand proverbs a very valuable though a comparatively small portion remains in the Book of Proverbs, and, perhaps, also in Ecclesiastes. The remark that he spake these proverbs may imply that they were not all written or actually recorded, and so, from being preserved only by oral tradition, they either became gradually lost, or their authorship became uncertain. His songs were a thousand and five — Being the son of the greatest of human lyrists, the sweet psalmist of Israel, he naturally inherited the gift of poetry and song. Of these thousand and five songs there now remain but the seventy-second and one hundred and twenty-seventh Psalms and the Canticles, though the authorship of the latter is a controverted question. But though most of the Proverbs and Songs of Solomon are lost to us, their silent influences, flowing through unseen channels, may have greatly affected both the ancient and modern literature of the East, and may still be studied in the apocryphal books of Ecclesiasticus and the Wisdom of Solomon.

V. 33. Trees-That is, of all plants, of their nature and qualities: all which discourses are lost, without any impeachment of the perfection of the holy scriptures; which were not written to teach men philosophy or physick, but only to make them wise unto salvation. From the cedar, &c.-That is, from the greatest to the least.

Verse 33. He spake of trees-beasts-fowl-creeping things, and of fishes.] This is a complete system of natural history, as far as relates to the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and the first intimation we have of any thing of the kind: Solomon was probably the first natural historian in the world. O, how must the heart of Tournefort, Ray, Linne, Buffon, Cuvier, Swammerdam, Blosch, and other naturalists, be wrung, to know that these works of Solomon are all and for ever lost! What light should we have thrown on the animal and vegetable kingdoms, had these works been preserved! But the providence of God has not thought fit to preserve them, and succeeding naturalists are left to invent the system which he probably left perfect. If there be any remains of his wisdom, they must be sought among the orientals, among whom his character is well known, and rates as high as it does with either Jews or Christians. I shall give some extracts from their works relative to Solomon when I come to consider his character at the end of 1 Kings 11:43.

Verses 32, 33. He spake three thousand proverbs — That is, short, deep, and useful sentences, whereof a great part are contained in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Songs — Whereof the most divine and chief are in the Canticles. And he spake of trees — That is, of all plants, of their nature and qualities. From the cedar-tree unto the hyssop — From the greatest to the least. That springeth out of the wall — Dr. Waterland renders the original here, Hyssop that runneth out to the wall: the wall of Jerusalem may be meant, which was encompassed with mountains that produced abundance of hyssop. He spake also of beasts and of fowl, &c. — This shows the vastness of his knowledge, which comprehended the history of animals as well as of plants, whose nature and qualities he also understood. All these discourses of Solomon are lost, without any impeachment of the perfection of the Holy Scriptures; which were not written to teach men philosophy or physic, but only to make them wise unto salvation.

33. He spake of trees… beasts… fowl… creeping things… fishes — He enjoyed rare opportunities for becoming familiar with the various species of both the animal and vegetable creation. His extended commerce with all nations brought to him specimens of all rare trees, plants, and animals. Cedars he multiplied in his own land like sycamores; (1 Kings 10:27;) his navies and caravans supplied him apes and peacocks, horses and mules, and spices. 1 Kings 10:22, 25. Compare Song of Solomon 4:13, 14. That he composed and wrote scientific treatises on botany and natural history, as many commentators have assumed, is not necessarily the meaning of this verse. In the concluding chapters of Job, and in many of the Psalms and Proverbs, we find many wise sayings and parabolic allusions based on the wisdom of God as displayed in the creation; and it seems more natural, on the whole, to suppose Solomon’s sayings about trees, etc., to have been of this character. And so Irenaeus observes that Solomon “expounded psychologically the wisdom of God which is manifest in creation.” So also Josephus: “He spake a parable upon every sort of tree, from the hyssop to the cedar; and in like manner, also, about beasts, and about all sorts of living creatures, whether upon the earth, or in the seas, or in the air; for he was not unacquainted with any of their natures, nor omitted inquiries about them, but described them all like a philosopher, and demonstrated his exquisite knowledge of their several properties.” And so his sayings on these subjects were probably more of the character of natural theology than of natural science. No wonder that his fame went through all lands, and attracted, among others, the queen of Sheba to his court. Chapter 10.

V. 34. All kings-All the neighbouring kings; a restriction grounded upon the following words, where this is limited to such as heard of Solomon’s wisdom. Let those who magnify the modern learning above that of the ancients, produce such a treasury of learning, anywhere in these later ages, as that was, which Solomon was master of. Yet this puts an honour upon human learning, that Solomon is praised for it, and recommends it to the great ones of the earth, as well worthy their diligent search. In all this Solomon was a type of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Verse 34. There came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon] We learn from 1 Kings 10, that the queen of Sheba was one of those visitants, and perhaps the most remarkable, as we have the particulars of her visit, but not of the others.

It is astonishing that of a person so renowned for wisdom, so little should be left to prove the truth of a fact of which all the civilized nations of the world have heard, and of which scarcely any man has ever doubted. The people that came from all kings of the earth were probably ambassadors, who came to form and maintain friendship between their sovereigns and the Israelitish king. We cannot understand the place as speaking of people who, either through an idle or laudable curiosity, came to see and converse with Solomon; to give free access to such people would ill comport with the maintenance of his dignity.

I KINGS

Verse 34. From all kings of the earth — All the neighbouring kings; a restriction grounded upon the following words, where this is limited to such as heard of Solomon’s wisdom. Let those who magnify the modern learning above that of the ancients, produce such a treasury of learning, anywhere in these later ages, as that was which Solomon was master of. Yet this puts an honour upon human learning, that Solomon is praised for it, and recommends it to the great ones of the earth, as well worthy their diligent search. In all this Solomon was a type of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

SOLOMON’S WEALTH AND WISDOM, 20-34.

20. The statements of this verse are calculated to enhance in the mind of the reader the glory of Solomon’s reign. “The general tone of the records of his reign is that of jubilant delight, as though it were indeed a golden day following on the iron and brazen age of the warlike David.” — Stanley. As the sand — Thus fulfilling the promise made to Abraham. See marginal references. Eating… drinking… making merry — Evidences of a happy, peaceful, and prosperous administration.